On the 3rd of February, 2026, the Abuakwa North Municipal Assembly in collaboration with the Municipal Education Directorate held the National 69th Independence Day Anniversary Celebration Southern Zone Debate at the assembly hall of the Ofori Panin Senior Secondary School. The essence of this debate is to build the knowledge of students in governance, history of the nation and patriotism, public speaking and eloquence.
Present at the venue were the Regional Education Director, Dr. Mrs. Ivy Asantewaa Owusu as the special guest of honour, the Municipal Education Directo,r Mrs. Grace Adjawude, Chief of Tafo, Daasebre Adu-Sei Peasah IV as the Chairman for the occasion, Regional Senior High School Coordinators, Heads of the various Schools, and other invited guests.
The participation schools for the Southern Zone comprised of Chemu SHS, Greater Accra Region, Oda SHS, Eastern Region, Sokode SHS, Volta Region, St. Monica’s Girls SHS, Ashanti Region, Mfantiman Girl’s, Central Region, Bueman SHS, Oti Region, Awosu STEM SHS, Western North Region, and Banzu Kaku SHS, Western region.
The Chairman, in his opening and acceptance speech welcomed all the students and invited guests and commended the Headteacher and staff of Ofori Panin SHS for organizing such a great event within a short period. He congratulated the participants for making it to the zonal level and urged them to give it all their best so that the national winner will be from the southern zone. The Regional Education Director, Dr. Mrs. Ivy Asantewaa Owusu gave her speech as special guest of honour. She was very particular about students taking interest in national events and learning more about the history of Ghana. She urged all participants to use the opportunity to learn from each other’s presentation to broaden their knowledge on the topic, “Democracies Die when Citizens stop Questioning those in Power”. She thanked the Municipal Education Director, the head, teachers and staff of Ofori Panin Senior Secondary School for hosting all the schools.
The debate was in four sessions with two schools debating in each session. At the end of the four sessions, Sokode SHS emerged as the winner with St. Monica’s Girls SHS placing Second and Oda SHS took third place. Sokode SHS was to represent the Southern Zone at the National level.
In his remarks, Dasebre Adu-Sei Peasah IV, commended all the debaters for their great performance. He urged them to do all they can to win at the national level.
The panel of judges for the debate. Debater from Oda SHS addressing the audience
Winners of the debate, Sokode SHS receiving their trophy from the Chairman and Regional Education Director.
Chairman, Daasebre Adu-Sei Peasah IV, giving his opening remark.